Sharyn Eveland
Social Science Division Chair
661.763.7866

Susan Vaughan
Learning Disabilities Specialist
661.763.7927

Interests

Research

I love to do research. Okay, that may be a little bit of an exaggeration. No, no. I really do love to do research. Especially with students. My own research interests are in the area of cognitive functioning and learning. I am fascinated with how people learn both in their everyday lives and in the classroom. I am just as fascinated with how they generalize learned information to their experiences in other situations.

When working with students on research I like to follow (and guide) students in pursuing their own research questions. This is a double bonus for me since the students get to explore their passion and I get to observe how their learning occurs.

Teaching

I just get the biggest kick out of watching someone when they realize they understand or can do something new. I have such an addiction for that look that I try to learn a minimum of four ways to explain everything I teach. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.

Reading

I am an avid reader. Science fiction is my favorite genre, but I will read anything...including the ingredients on the back of a box of cereal. Okay, I don't read Harlequin romances, but I may try writing one someday. "Joshua lifted me in his strong, sinuous arms as if I were a bag of oats. I felt my heart flutter against my torn leather jacket." No, huh? Oh well, guess I'll stick to teaching, a trade I am good at.

Fishing (Stream)

Occasionally, I feel a need to leave behind the heady world of academia and rediscover the glory of nature. Running my line under the overhangs on the banks of streams throughout California, fighting off maddening clouds of mosquitoes and deer flies, I indulge myself in the never ending search for the elusive NATIVE TROUT! Nothing else will satisfy my hunger for fish the way a fresh caught brookie can. I know that may offend the souls of some who read this, but rest assured I do practice catch-and-release. Right after dinner.

Seriously.